I really liked this story, but the “just running” seemed to belittle your story. Perhaps you could replace “just running” with adjectives, like panting, heaving, etc, and remove the just from the first time you say just running.
Fantastic twist! Surprising yet fits with the story.
Abby (LoA)
Andy G {L.O.E.M.A.T.T.L.O.A.}
Andy G {L.O.E.M.A.T.T.L.O.A.}
Violet Turner